Croatia is fast becoming one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Europe, with bustling cities, stunning beaches and fascinating history all blended together. One of the highlights when going on group tours to Croatia is sampling the many delicious local delicacies. Here are a few mouth-watering dishes we recommend trying if you are travelling to Croatia in the future – or if you simply want to have a go making them at home! 

Look out for crni rižot on Croatian menus, especially if you are in a restaurant that specialises in seafood, as many do in this country with a coastline stretching almost 2000 kilometres. Typically make with squid, the black colour of the rice comes from mixing with squid ink, making for an eye-catching plate that tastes just as good! If you’re desperate to try black risotto, it may be worth bringing some gum with you as the ink can play havoc with your smile! 

This is a dish that made its way across the Adriatic Sea from Italy’s eastern coast and is known as brudet on Croatian shores. A stew cooked on a tomato base with plenty of vinegar, traditionally added to preserve the dish over the course of a couple of days, this dish changes from day to day and place to place as it is supposed to be made with the catch of the day. Expect mussels, clams and sea bass when eating along Croatia’s bejewelled shore. 

A classic Croatian starter, pršut i sir (ham and cheese) will be found at the top of most menus, with ham from the Istria county playing the starring role. Pork leg is cured with sea salt and seasoned with pepper, garlic and bay, left to mature for at least 12 months in the northern air. You won’t forget its rich aroma or salty taste after sampling some with bread and locally made cheese. 

Also known as ispod čripnje, which roughly translates to ‘under the bell’ in relation to the terracotta domes that this dish is traditionally cooked inside. Octopus, lamb, veal or chicken is combined with potatoes and other vegetables and slowly heated on the embers of a traditional oven. Any manner of spices and herbs will be added depending on the local recipe, so you might find yourself trying Peka more than once if you are visiting the country. 

This dish hails from Vis, a small island off Croatia’s southern Dalmatian coast, and dates back thousands of years! Salted sardines, onions and capers fill a rich dough which is drizzled with olive oil, baked and cut into squares. Add tomatoes and herbs into the mix and you’ll be eating Komiška pogača, which originates from the western side of the island and the town of Komiža.